Old router bits

[wgander]

Does anyone know where I can get a replacement 1/4" router arbor for interchangeable cutters and edge guides?
I have a set of Sears router cutters (probably from the '70s) with an arbor and several edge guides. The shaft of the arbor is bent and I can't find anything comparable. I've checked Sears, Rockler, Home Depot, Lowe's.
It looks like all of todays cutters are a single piece - cutter, guide and arbor.

Otherwise, I'll have to start buying new router bits each time I start a new project.

[Ed in Tampa]

wgander
I have a set of those router bits too. If yours are like mine do yourself a favor and toss them and get an new bit. Mine were high speed steel and to me were poorly made which is probably why you can't find a replacement for them.
My advice toss them and get yourself a good new carbide bit and see the world of difference.

[bettyt44720]

i had some of those also. i used them quite a bit for small projects like ogees on shelves and the supports under them. i had two different types one was sears and the cutters screwed on a threaded end. the other was vermont-american that had a locknut on the end. i still see the vermont-american one at flea markets quite often. i think i still have a sears shaft with four different pilots.

[Nick]

Here you go:
http://cgi.ebay.com/3-VINTAGE-SEARS-CRAFTMAN-ROUTER-HIGH-SPEED-STEEL-BITS_W0QQitemZ280260096790QQihZ018QQcategoryZ20781 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

With all good wishes,

[wgander]

Thanks, Nick. I bid on them.
"Vintage" bits...guess 'm getting old.

[a1gutterman]

Hi wgander,

Many years ago, I inherited a box of HSS Craftsman bits that my grandfather had, along with his Craftsman router. I used, perhaps abused, these bits, but they just did knot do the job for me. I had all but decided that routing was knot worth the effort, until I found and started using the carbide tipped anti-kickback bits. I wood never return to those other bits. Just my 2 cents worth.:)

[Nick]

I still have -- and use -- a set of the Sears bits we're discussing. Bought them in the early 70s. It's a little-known fact, but a fact nonetheless, that you can get good tool steel sharper than carbide with a little elbow grease and polishing compound. I use these bits on figured woods for just that reason. The edge doesn't last as long as carbide, but it cuts cleaner while it's sharp.

With all good wishes,

[judaspre1982]

wgander, I have a Craftsman arbor and pilot set p/n 926000 that is from the mid 80s. The pilots are not ballbearing.It looks just like the one on ebay only the 5/16 & 7/16 pilots are not the bearing type. The package is opened but it was never used. You are welcome to have it if it is what you are looking for. If anyone else out there has an old Stanley arbor I have 4 brand new carbide tipped cutter heads for their router arbor. My wife had bought the Stanley bits when the lumber yard she worked at discontinued the bits but no arbor was available. She then bought the Craftsman arbor thinking it would fit the Stanley bits. They have been in my tool box ever since. Items are free to anyone interested.----Dave--judaspre1982